The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced two new EU-guaranteed loans totaling €30 million to strengthen Tunisia’s water sector. A €22 million agreement was signed with the national water utility Sonede and €8 million with the Republic of Tunisia, both supporting a major drinking water supply project in the Greater Tunis region—Tunisia’s most densely populated area.
The project will include a new treatment plant in Bejaoua, water pipelines, pumping stations, and reservoirs, ensuring a reliable water supply for current and future urban zones such as the Tunis Financial Harbour. It aligns with Team Europe’s ‘Water’ initiative, which has mobilized €1.7 billion (TND 5.7 billion) to improve access to drinking water and sanitation across Tunisia.
With water demand expected to rise by 50% by 2040, this co-financed investment—shared equally with Agence française de développement (AFD)—addresses critical water security and sustainability goals.
Additionally, the EIB has launched a strategic partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to support the Office national de l’assainissement (ONAS) in promoting nature-based solutions (NBS) for small towns. A study under this initiative will explore implementing NBS in communities with fewer than 3,000 residents, leading to a pilot project announcement in Tunis on 19 May.
EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris emphasized the EIB’s commitment to innovative, people-focused solutions that enhance Tunisia’s climate resilience and development. EU Ambassador Giuseppe Perrone highlighted the collaboration as a reflection of the broader EU-Tunisia strategic partnership.
A €5 million EU-funded technical assistance package, implemented with the EIB, will also help Tunisia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning develop more resilient, sustainable public-sector projects aligned with the country’s long-term development priorities and Agenda 2030.